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Revit 2020 – MEP
by: Travis Head
Revit Build Machine (Part II)
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n my previous article, I discussed how you can build a fast Revit machine yourself using parts from local or online retailers for only $1000 to $1100, as opposed to the $4000 they might cost you to buy an equivalent machine from a computer manufacturer that specializes in Revit machines. In that article, I listed out the parts you would need and some things to look for. But, I assumed the reader had some prior knowledge of computer parts and how to put them together. In this article, I’m going to speak more to those who aren’t as comfortable with computer parts and building a machine themselves. I’ll go into much more detail on things you need to look for and consider when stepping off into these uncharted waters. Hopefully, after reading this edition, you’ll have everything you need to know to take the plunge and build your own Revit workstation, and save a bunch of money doing it. So, let’s get back to the list of parts you’ll need, and let’s get a bit more specific on each.
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PROCESSOR The most important characteristic of your processor for Revit is the clock speed. That’s why we need to go with Intel’s Core I7’s or Core I9’s. I choose I7’s over I9’s. But, if you end up going with an I9 instead, that’s quite alright. Just make sure you adjust the model numbers and specs for other items accordingly. For the rest of the discussion, I’ll stick to the I7’s. But everything will be pertinent to each. Now, to increase the clock speed as high as possible, we need to be able to overclock that processor. Overclocking means boosting the clock speed even higher than the max speed the processor is rated for. And for that, you need to go with the processor models that have the letter “k” at the end of the model name. For instance, on our current builds, we might go with the Intel i7-9700k processor. The “k” means its clock speed is not locked to a specific value on the high end, but can be “overclocked” to a higher max speed than the equivalent processor that isn’t a “k” type (I7-9700, for example). One other characteristic of the processor that you’ll want to pay attention to, is its “socket” type. That refers to the specific type of April 2020
